IAN GARDINER OBE

The NFU is deeply saddened that former Deputy Director General Ian Gardiner has passed away.

Ian, who worked for the NFU for 30 years, died at the family home in Middlesex earlier today at the age of 56. He leaves his wife Val, a daughter Pascal and son Luke.

Ian retired from a long and distinguished NFU career last month after fighting a long battle against a brain tumour.

He joined the organisation in 1973 in the NFU Economics Department and held a variety of positions and posts including Milk Adviser, Head of the Arable Department and Policy Director before being promoted to the position of Deputy Director General in 1996.

His unstinting work for farming earned him an OBE in 2001 for services to agriculture.

Ian had a degree in chemistry and was also an international bridge player.

NFU Director General Richard Macdonald said: "Ian's total dedication and devotion to the NFU and to farming was unfailing. He was a gentle, friendly man who we could all turn to for the very best advice.

"He was also a man of great intellect and understanding and could bring simplicity and clarity to the myriad of complex issues that the NFU has to deal with every day. This ability made him a highly successful negotiator on behalf of the industry.

"His sad death is a blow not only to our organisation but to the whole of the farming industry which he served for so long. We will all miss him terribly. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family."